How Long Does It Take to Cook a Pork Roast at 225 Degrees for Tender, Juicy Meat?

Smoking a pork roast at a low temperature of 225°F results in incredibly tender, fall-apart meat infused with rich smoky flavor. But to achieve the ideal texture and taste you need to smoke the pork for the right amount of time. So how long should you cook a pork roast at 225 degrees?

The cooking time depends primarily on two factors – the size and cut of the pork. Below we’ll provide timing guidelines for common pork roasts to help you nail perfect doneness when smoking at 225°F.

Pork Shoulder or Boston Butt

For a bone-in or boneless pork shoulder, also called a Boston butt, allow 1 1⁄2 to 2 hours per pound when smoking at 225°F.

A 6 to 8 pound shoulder will need 9 to 16 hours total cook time Double check doneness with a meat thermometer

Internal temp should reach 195°F for shredded or pulled pork Expect some variation in cook times

Pork Loin

A boneless pork loin roast requires less time since it’s much leaner. Plan on 45 minutes to 1 1⁄2 hours per pound at 225°F.

A 2 to 3 pound pork loin will need 1 1⁄2 to 4 hours total cook time to reach 145°F internal temperature.

Monitor temperature closely to prevent drying out this lean cut.

Helpful Tips for Low and Slow Pork Roasts

When in doubt, allow more time. You can hold a pork roast wrapped in a cooler for hours, but you can’t speed up the cook time once it’s on the smoker.
Use a digital leave-in thermometer for easiest monitoring without opening the smoker.
Spritz lean roasts with apple juice or broth every hour to prevent drying out.
Let roasts rest 30-60 minutes before slicing or pulling to allow juices to redistribute.
Keep the smoker vented properly to hold 225°F. Make small vent adjustments to maintain steady heat.
Use a water pan or spritz the roast to add moisture to the smoker.
Select quality hardwoods like hickory, oak, or apple that provide ideal smoke flavor over long cooks.
Wrap roasts at around 160°F internal temp if you want to speed up cooking time.

Step-by-Step Guide to Smoked Pork Roast at 225°F

Follow these simple steps for foolproof results:

1. Select the Roast

Choose pork shoulder for pulled pork or loin for slicing. Allow 1 1⁄2 to 2 hours per pound of weight.

2. Prep the Meat

Trim excess fat and remove silver skin. Apply dry rub generously.

3. Set up the Smoker

Heat smoker to 225°F with proper ventilation for clean smoke. Use water pan if needed.

4. Add the Roast

Place seasoned roast on racks over a drip pan. Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part.

5. Maintain the Temperature

Keep heat at a steady 225°F, making vent adjustments as needed. Spritz lean roasts periodically.

6. Monitor Doneness

Check pork’s internal temp occasionally until it reaches 195°F for shoulder or 145°F for loin.

7. Rest and Serve

Let roast rest 30-60 minutes once desired temp is reached. Slice or pull pork and serve!

With the simple smoked pork roast timeline above, you’ll turn out fork-tender, smoky pork at 225°F every time. Just be sure to factor in extra time for large roasts and monitor for doneness carefully for delicious results.

What Temperature Should I Cook My Pork Butt At

FAQ

How long to cook pork shoulder in oven at 225 without?

Slow and steady wins the race when it comes to cooking pork shoulder. At a low temperature of 225 degrees Fahrenheit, it can take anywhere from 6 to 8 hours to cook a 5-pound pork shoulder until it reaches an internal temperature of 195 degrees Fahrenheit.

Is 225 too low for pork shoulder?

“Low and slow” experts typically recommend keeping the internal air temperature of your smoker at about 225°F (107°C) during the cook. But at that temperature, it can take as long as 18 hours to bring the internal temperature of the pork up to its target of 195-205°F (91-96°C).

How long to cook a 3 pound pork roast at 250 degrees?

We roasted this 3.5 – 4 pound roast at 250 degrees F. and our cooking time was about 7-8 hours or until the internal temperature reached 190-200 degrees F (the closer you get to 200 degrees F. the more “fall-apart” it will be – you can go up to about 205 degrees).

How long to cook a 2 lb pork roast at 200 degrees?

Place the roast in the oven and immediately reduce the temperature down to 200 degrees F. Roast for about 4 hours or until the meat is falling-apart tender (cooking time will vary depending on the size of the roast). Stir the salt and black pepper into the juice (do not omit the salt!). Slice meat as desired.

How long does it take to cook a pork roast?

Slow and low cooking turn out tender succulent pork roast! Cooking Time: About 25-30 minutes per pound. Desired Internal Temperature: 190 – 200°F (88°C) is the proper temperature for pulled pork. This higher temperature breaks down collagen for a tender result. Note: A slow and low cooking method results in more tender meat with Butt Roasts.

What temperature should a pork roast be cooked at?

Pork Food Safety The US Department of Agriculture recommends cooking a pork roast at 350 degrees for 20 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees.

How long do you cook a pork loin roast?

Cooking Temperature: Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Cooking Time: About 20 minutes per pound, but use a meat thermometer to be sure. Desired Internal Temperature: 145°F (63°C). Note: Pork loin roast is lean, so be cautious not to overcook to maintain juiciness.

What temperature should a pork shoulder be cooked at?

Cooking Temperature: Preheat the oven to 225 – 300°F (149°C). Cooking pork shoulder at low temperatures will take a long time, but it’s worth the wait! Slow and low cooking turn out tender succulent pork roast! Cooking Time: About 25-30 minutes per pound. Desired Internal Temperature: 190 – 200°F (88°C) is the proper temperature for pulled pork.